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Flexible sprinkler drops, also known as sprinkler whips, are a quick, reliable, and flexible option for connecting sprinkler heads to branch lines in a fire sprinkler system. Designed with a stainless-steel braided hose, these assemblies replace rigid sprinkler drops, simplifying installation, improving positioning accuracy, and reducing labor time and costs on large projects. They are also vital components for flexible seismic design approaches in earthquake-prone areas.
Whether you're outfitting new construction or upgrading existing systems, flexible sprinkler hoses offer easy installation, adaptable positioning in suspended ceilings, and seismic protection.
QRFS carries all the necessary components for installation, including drops and mounting brackets. The design of these fittings avoids the need for cutting and threading pipe, allowing installers to quickly adjust sprinkler head positions within a ceiling grid—no special tools required.
Shop UL Listed and FM Approved options that meet strict quality and performance standards.
QRFS offers flexible drops in multiple lengths and configurations, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. Choose between 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch sprinkler head connections and select from various lengths that accommodate a corresponding number of UL Listed and FM Approved 90-degree bends to fit your system design.
Each flexible hose assembly provides a secure, leak-free connection between the branch pipe and the sprinkler head, ensuring consistent water flow and reliable activation when needed most.
These adaptable sprinkler connections can work well in any system but are especially valuable when ceilings are subject to movement or seismic design demands a flexible installation.
Installation with flexible drops is quick and efficient — no measuring, cutting, or threading rigid connections is required. Simply attach the bracket set, connect the braided hose, and position the sprinkler head. The flexible hose can bend and adjust, including applying a specific number of 90° bends based on length, without compromising flow or performance. They can save many hours of labor compared to rigid drops, armovers, return bends, and other inflexible fittings.
Every assembly is made of stainless steel and engineered for durability, corrosion resistance, and a long service life. QRFS offers flexible drops that are compatible with all sprinkler brands and meet UL and FM certifications for safety, performance, and quality assurance.
At QRFS, we take pride in providing top-quality fire sprinkler components and accessories from trusted manufacturers. Our flexible drops deliver the best combination of quality, performance, and ease of use—all at competitive prices.
We make it simple to find the right flexible hose for your project, backed by detailed product data and fast shipping. Whether you need a single drop or bulk quantities for a large installation, QRFS has you covered. And our wide selection of other fire protection parts makes it easy to order, install, and maintain your system—with expert support and an extensive online inventory.
Also, be sure to check out our selection of:
Or return to the QRFS home page to see all fire protection equipment!
A flexible fire sprinkler drop is a braided stainless-steel hose that connects branch piping to a sprinkler head, providing a flexible alternative to rigid drops, armovers, return bends, and other traditional connections. It allows for quick and adjustable installation in any system, but is particularly useful when dealing with suspended ceilings, tight or variable spaces, seismic design, or other areas with surfaces that are subject to movement. Flexible sprinkler drops make sprinkler placement faster, more precise, and more adaptable than rigid piping.
Yes. NFPA 13 permits the use of flexible sprinkler drops if they are UL Listed, FM Approved, or otherwise “listed” and installed according to any applicable NFPA 13 rules, listing requirements, and manufacturer guidelines. Flexible drops must meet all hydraulic, bracket, placement, and 90-degree bend requirements defined by these sources.
Yes, flexible sprinkler drops use special brackets. These brackets are a critical component of the assembly, serving to anchor the sprinkler head securely to the ceiling grid or other building structure. The bracket allows for quick installation and precise positioning of the sprinkler head.
Yes, flexible sprinkler drops must be UL Listed, FM Approved, or certified with another “listing” from a reputable worldwide standard to be installed in an NFPA 13-compliant fire sprinkler system. These third-party certifications are required by NFPA 13 to ensure that the flexible hose and its associated components meet strict performance and safety standards.
Flexible sprinkler drops offer several key advantages:
Yes. Besides costing more than standard rigid drops, flexible sprinkler drops increase friction in the system compared to an equivalent length of straight rigid pipe, causing pressure and flow losses that affect fire sprinkler system design. The tubing and bends in the hose create more water turbulence and resistance, which result in the pressure and flow penalty. However, system designers can account for these differences in a system's hydraulic calculations to ensure adequate pressure, flow, and sprinkler coverage. Consult with a qualified fire protection professional before installing flexible sprinkler drops.